Joshua Jakubik Baseball Story

For Joshua Jakubik, baseball is more than a sport; it's a lifelong passion. From picking up a bat at the age of five to hitting a game changing home run in regionals last season, Jakubik has built his baseball career through dedication and love for the game. 

Today Jakubik serves as a player on Temple's club baseball team, where he balances academics, work, and the demands of being on a competitive baseball team.  Unlike varsity programs, club sports operate without the financial assistance through support of Division I Athletics. Temple's baseball program did have a team back in 2014, but it got cut. 

Through commitment to teamwork, the club team has found success, including a trip to the National Club Baseball Association World Series, where they placed fourth in the country. Jakubik's story is evidence that the program has high levels of competition with players that are willing to work hard despite its challenges. 

When Jakubik first arrived at Temple, he had no plans to play baseball again.

 “I had played throughout high school but I thought I was done,” he said. 

That changed after meeting other players who spoke about the team with him and encouraged him to try out and that prompted Jakubik to give it a shot. 

“It's competitive like high school but fun like rec leagues,” he explained. “It's different from high school sports, you know the politics of all of it.” 

Jakubik found an atmosphere where his team prioritizes enjoyment without sacrificing ambition. 

One of the club's most significant challenges is its lack of varsity-level funding. The team faces difficulties such as securing field time and paying for equipment, but Jakubik says that the program has fundraisers and player dues that help out with the teams funding issues. 

“We practice like we're a D1 program,” he said. 

For Jakubik the reward goes beyond wins and stats. 

The tight-knit baseball team practices three times a week, competes on weekends, and regularly socializes off the field. These bonds, Jakubik believes, makes the team stronger. 

“The friendships I've made are the most rewarding part,” he shared. 

As an E-board member, Jakubik works to keep teammates motivated toward their goal: winning the D1 Club Baseball World Series. 

“We know it's tough, but we believe it's possible,” he said. 

Personally, he's focused on improving his defensive plays and hitting in order to help the team succeed.

Looking ahead, Jakubik envisions a lifelong commitment with the sport, whether working in baseball, finance or playing the sport leisurely. 

To anyone considering joining the club team, his advice is simple: “Do it. You'll make lifelong friends, play competitively and have fun.” 

Jakubik and his teammates, Temple club baseball offers more than just a game — it's a community built on shared passion, perseverance, and a love for the sport.